Fountain in Chemeketa Peace Garden

Resources for Teaching through the Election

Following Dr. Howard’s message on October 20 and recognizing the heightened unease, anxiety, or tension our students may be experiencing, the Center for Academic Innovation would like to offer additional resources for approaching conversations and instruction during the next few weeks. Several of the resources also offer guidance for nurturing your own mental health and wellbeing as an instructor.

First, we want to highlight the workshop co-sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Student Development and Learning Resources, “Communicating Across the Political Divide,” Tuesday, October 27, 12:45 – 2:30pm. Register on My Chemeketa using CRN 42995.

Next, Harvard University’s Teaching and Learning lab curated a resource on Teaching in Times of Strife and Trauma. Below are excerpts of the more relevant resources.

TEACHING DURING ELECTIONS

DISCUSSING DIFFICULT TOPICS 

TEACHING IN TRAUMATIC TIMES

Finally, faculty should not feel obligated to initiate conversations or engage with topics that lie outside of their curriculum, discipline, or expertise. We are sharing these materials as a resource for you should you have need of them or are looking for guidance on respectful communication during uncomfortable discussions. We hope they offer some just-in-time strategies as well as food for thought.

2019 Faculty Survey Results

This year the Center for Academic Innovation (CAI), completed several faculty surveys. We instituted blast surveys as a way to capture quick information about some of our current tools and resources, along with a comprehensive Faculty Needs Assessment (FNA) to assess...

Online Student Forum Feedback

In 2017/18, over 26% of Chemeketa’s enrollments consisted of online classes. Students are the most important part of the work we do, and because of the significant number of students taking online classes, it’s vital to create opportunities to connect with them in a...

Ally Coming This Summer

Digital materials have become an essential part of the higher education experience. Online, hybrid and even face-to-face courses have a digital component. In an era when technology has the ability to promote access and independence, it is critical that digital...

ePortfolios

ePortfolios

In a world where most of our students have an extremely robust online presence - mainly through social media - many of those same students would benefit greatly from some guidance on how to create a more professional presence. ePortfolios are one way to help students...

Sara Varnum Institute 2018

Dear Faculty, We wanted to thank everyone who was able to join us for Sara Varnum Institute on October 12th. We hope more part-time faculty will continue to join us each year. Many faculty have asked about the history of Sara Varnum Institute so we wanted to share...

Veteran’s Awareness Event

Mid-October, Justin Smith Ph.D., joined us on our campus to discuss the cultural transition veterans face going from active duty to being a student. He shared with us a number of important differences and challenged some stereotypes they face and the obstacles in...

Faculty Retreat 2018 Evaluation

Faculty Retreat 2018 Evaluation

The faculty retreat this year was a big shift from previous years. As we mentioned at the recent event, changes were based on a survey that was sent out at the end of last academic year. The retreat planning committee developed this year’s agenda based on the results...

Heather Mariger – Digital Accessibility Advocate

Heather Mariger – Digital Accessibility Advocate

Greetings Chemeketa! My name is Heather and I am your new Digital Accessibility Advocate. A little about me I am new to Chemeketa and Oregon - I moved here from Logan Utah for this opportunity and I am thrilled to be here! I am loving the Salem area and the amazing...

Student Customized OER Textbook

The project is to re-adapt an OER book titled “A Different Road to College” which is a book focused on helping non-traditional students navigate college resources.

Academic UpdatesResources for Teaching through the Election